Bryson DeChambeau produced an incredible finish, posting four closing birdies to share the lead with Brooks Koepka at six under par the end of day one at the Masters Tournament.
A remarkable run of scoring in the late groups stretched the field at Augusta National Golf Club, with DeChambeau amongst a host of European Tour players in the mix going into Friday at the first Major Championship of the year.
Debutant Justin Harding of South Africa was one of the players who had set the target at three under par early in the day and for a long time it looked like there would be a highly congested leaderboard as a nine way tie for the lead developed.
But four birdies in a row from the 12th hole from Koepka moved the three-time Major Champion to six under par and into a two shot lead. DeChambeau’s incredible finish saw him catch his fellow American, thanks in part to a wonderful second shot on the 18th where he was only denied an eagle by the pin flag. He signed for a 66 – his best round at Augusta National – and Koepka parred his way home to record the only bogey free round of the day and share top spot.
Three-time Masters winner Phil Mickelson birdied five of his last seven holes to sit one shot off the lead at five under par, a shot clear of fellow American Dustin Johnson and England’s Ian Poulter.
Harding – who has won five times worldwide in the last year, including his maiden European Tour title at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters – is joined at three under par by Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Kevin Kisner of the United States, Australian Adam Scott and Spain’s Jon Rahm.
Denmark’s Lucas Bjerregaard, who is also making his Masters debut, and The Open champion Francesco Molinari are amongst a group of 10 players at two under par.
Player quotes
Bryson DeChambeau:
“It’s my best round out here, a 66. I was just looking to shoot something in the 60s this week because I haven’t done that yet in my couple times playing here.
“What a magical back nine. Wind started to pick up, right around Amen Corner, and it was tough. It was not easy one bit. But we just stuck to what we knew we should have done, and we did, and was able to execute a beautiful nine iron on 12 that kind of jump started my back nine, hitting it to five feet, making that putt got me rolling.
“Should have pulled the flagstick out (on the 18th). But no, it was a great shot, and I was excited just to tap‑in to finish off a great round.”
Ian Poulter:
“I’m very happy with today’s work. It’s a great start to a long week. The weather is going to be interesting over the next three days with the thunderstorms coming in.
“The course dried out nicely today. A couple of greens may have been a touch slower than what we’ve previously had in the past on a Thursday. But I’m happy with that and feel pretty good about it.
“My whole game was together, from the first hole to the 18th hole. I mean I only missed two greens in regulation, I think. One of them was 9. I made bogey there. And the other green I missed I was kind of 12 feet from the pin and just on the fringe. So really my putting all around today was extremely solid. I need to do that over the next few days.”
Justin Harding:
“I was happy with it, I handled my emotions pretty well, a bit annoying on the last making bogey. But at the end of the day I’ll take it.
“Golf is purely momentum based. If you take enough confidence into the rounds then you’re bound to play well just pretty much need to get out of your own way. I’ll take it and run if I can ‑‑ we’re not allowed to run here at Augusta ‑‑ but I’m pleased.
“It’s one of those where I gave myself a couple chances, I didn’t feel like I took great advantage of the par fives. I managed to hit a wedge close in on 16 but other than that it was one of those where you just kind of sneak in a birdie here or there where you can. Managed to hit a couple of fairways. I’m still learning and this golf course is difficult.”
Jon Rahm:
“I think that the most important thing is I never lost patience. I was one over par on the par fives going to the back nine where it’s easy to get a little frustrated and I didn’t. I kept my cool and I was able to make a great birdie on nine and get where I’m going.
“It’s tough out there, they made a few changes to the golf course, they put some tough pins early in the day already, the greens started getting progressively firmer, so just being able to make a couple good putts and shoot under par is a good round.”
